Kuki (Indic people); Lushai (Asian people); Lushai language
Pitfalls constructed in former times for the capture of elephants
are found all over the hills, generally on a narrow ridge between
precipices. To catch monkeys some rice is placed on a small platform
at the end of a partially severed bamboo standing at a right angle
to the hillside. The monkey, attracted by the rice, springs on to
the platform and is precipitated on to a number of bamboo spikes
which have been stuck in the ground beneath it. The same device with
suitable alterations is sometimes employed to destroy tigers and bears.
The Lushai is also very fond of shooting, and with his old flintlock
accounts each year for a good number of bears and tigers. If a village
is much troubled by a tiger systematically waylaying its livestock,
a general hunt is ordered, guns are borrowed from the neighbours, and
the tiger, having been tracked into a piece of jungle, is approached by
a shouting mob, from which he flies. Every effort of his to turn from
the path selected for him is defeated by well posted crowds, who turn
him back with shouts and beating of drums, till, wearied out, he comes
to bay and falls a victim to a volley from all the guns present, but
before he dies he has often severely mauled several of his tormentors.
Large hunting parties make lengthy expeditions into the uninhabited
parts in search of elephants and wild mithan. To kill an elephant
with their flintlocks is not an easy task. A volley is fired at the
selected animal, which is then followed for days, being fired at
when an opportunity occurs, till it falls from sheer exhaustion. The
following graphic account of an unsuccessful hunt was written for me
by a Lushai. The Kongpuishiam and funeral ceremonies will be described
in the proper place further on.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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